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BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jul 2019To systematically quantify the prevalence, severity, and nature of preventable patient harm across a range of medical settings globally. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To systematically quantify the prevalence, severity, and nature of preventable patient harm across a range of medical settings globally.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cinahl and Embase, WHOLIS, Google Scholar, and SIGLE from January 2000 to January 2019. The reference lists of eligible studies and other relevant systematic reviews were also searched.
REVIEW METHODS
Observational studies reporting preventable patient harm in medical care. The core outcomes were the prevalence, severity, and types of preventable patient harm reported as percentages and their 95% confidence intervals. Data extraction and critical appraisal were undertaken by two reviewers working independently. Random effects meta-analysis was employed followed by univariable and multivariable meta regression. Heterogeneity was quantified by using the I statistic, and publication bias was evaluated.
RESULTS
Of the 7313 records identified, 70 studies involving 337 025 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence for preventable patient harm was 6% (95% confidence interval 5% to 7%). A pooled proportion of 12% (9% to 15%) of preventable patient harm was severe or led to death. Incidents related to drugs (25%, 95% confidence interval 16% to 34%) and other treatments (24%, 21% to 30%) accounted for the largest proportion of preventable patient harm. Compared with general hospitals (where most evidence originated), preventable patient harm was more prevalent in advanced specialties (intensive care or surgery; regression coefficient b=0.07, 95% confidence interval 0.04 to 0.10).
CONCLUSIONS
Around one in 20 patients are exposed to preventable harm in medical care. Although a focus on preventable patient harm has been encouraged by the international patient safety policy agenda, there are limited quality improvement practices specifically targeting incidents of preventable patient harm rather than overall patient harm (preventable and non-preventable). Developing and implementing evidence-based mitigation strategies specifically targeting preventable patient harm could lead to major service quality improvements in medical care which could also be more cost effective.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Evidence-Based Practice; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Patient Harm; Patient Safety; Prevalence; Quality Improvement; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 31315828
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l4185 -
The American Journal of Emergency... Feb 2022Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients is often necessary for diagnostic procedures, therapeutic procedures, or admission to the intensive care unit. The aim... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients is often necessary for diagnostic procedures, therapeutic procedures, or admission to the intensive care unit. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe safety and adverse events during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic search was performed of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published up to June 3, 2020, and of the International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing trials. We selected prospective and retrospective cohort studies published in English on intrahospital transport of critically ill patients, and then performed a meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the incidence of all adverse events that occurred during intrahospital transport. The secondary outcomes were death due to intrahospital transport or life-threatening adverse events, minor events in vital signs, adverse events related to equipment, durations of ICU and hospital stay, and costs.
RESULTS
A total of 12,313 intrahospital transports and 1898 patients from 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among 24 studies that evaluated the primary outcome, the pooled frequency of all adverse events was 26.2% (95% CI: 15.0-39.2) and the heterogeneity among these studies was high (I2 = 99.5%). The pooled frequency of death due to intrahospital transport and life-threatening adverse events was 0% and 1.47% each, but heterogeneity was also high.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that adverse events can occur during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients, and that the frequency of critical adverse events is relatively low. The results of this meta-analysis could assist in risk-benefit analysis of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures requiring intrahospital transport of critically ill patients.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
UMIN000040963.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Critical Care; Critical Illness; Humans; Middle Aged; Patient Transfer; Risk Factors; Safety; Young Adult
PubMed: 34861515
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.11.021 -
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation... Nov 2020Falls play a pivotal role in the cause of injury or death and have become a public health problem, especially for older people. Tai Chi may be an effective approach to...
BACKGROUND
Falls play a pivotal role in the cause of injury or death and have become a public health problem, especially for older people. Tai Chi may be an effective approach to improving balance and reducing falls. However, the conclusions of systematic reviews (SRs) have been inconsistent and the quality needs to be appraised critically.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the methodological quality, risk of bias and reporting quality as well as quality of evidence of SRs of Tai Chi for improving balance and reducing falls.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of English- and Chinese-language SRs in 8 electronic databases, from inception to October 2019. The methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality and the quality of evidence were independently assessed by 2 reviewers who used the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), Risk of Bias in Systematic reviews (ROBIS), the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Primary outcomes were fall rate and the Berg Balance Scale score in older people and people with Parkinson disease. Secondary outcomes included these outcomes in stroke, osteoarthritis and heart failure.
RESULTS
A total of 14 relevant SRs were included: 13 were rated critically low quality and 1 was rated low quality by AMSTAR 2. By the ROBIS, all SRs were rated low risk in Phase 1 (assessing relevance) and Domain 1 of Phase 2 (study eligibility criteria). With regard to Domain 2, assessing the identification and selection of studies, 3 (21.4%) SRs were rated low risk. Eleven (71.4%) were rated low risk in Domain 3 (data collection and study appraisal), 11 (71.4%) were rated low risk in Domain 4 (synthesis and findings), and 9 (64.3%) were rated low risk in Phase 3 (risk of bias in the review). According to PRISMA, the reporting was relatively complete, but there were still some reporting flaws in the topic of protocol and registration (2/14, 14.3%), search strategy (5/14, 35.7%), risk of bias (6/14, 42.9%), additional analyses (6/14, 42.9%) and funding (4/14, 28.6%). Among the 14 SRs, Tai Chi had benefits for improving balance and reducing falls in older people and people with Parkinson disease; however, no definitive conclusions could be drawn for its effectiveness in stroke, osteoarthritis and heart failure. The level of evidence for fall rate was "moderate" to "high" for older people and "low" for those with Parkinson disease. The level of evidence of the Berg Balance Scale was "low" to "moderate" for older people and "low" for those with Parkinson disease. Among the downgraded factors, imprecision was the most common, followed by inconsistency and publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Tai Chi may be beneficial for improving balance and reducing falls in older people and those with Parkinson disease. Because of limitations and inconsistent conclusions, further rigorous, normative and comprehensive SRs are needed to provide robust evidence for definitive conclusions.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postural Balance; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Research Design; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Tai Ji
PubMed: 31981834
DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2019.12.008 -
Injury Prevention : Journal of the... Jun 2022The prevention of dog bites is an increasingly important public health topic, as the incidence of serious injury continues to rise. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The prevention of dog bites is an increasingly important public health topic, as the incidence of serious injury continues to rise.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent dog bites and aggression.
METHODS
Online databases were searched (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Google Scholar), using the search terms: , for studies between 1960 and 2021. All study designs were considered. Outcomes of interest were the incidence of dog bites or dog aggression. Non-English studies, and those without full-text access were excluded.
RESULTS
Forty-three studies met the review criteria, including 15 observational and 27 interventional studies. Fifteen studies investigating dog-control legislation, including leash laws, stray dog control and infringements indicated this can reduce dog bite rates. Breed-specific legislation had less of an effect. Six studies investigating sterilisation, showed while this may reduce dog bites through a reduction in the dog population, the effect on dog aggression was unclear. An alcohol reduction programme showed a significant reduction in dog bite rates in one study. Seven studies assessing educational approaches found that intensive adult-directed education may be effective, with one study showing child-directed education was not effective. Eight studies on dog training (two police-dog related), and six evaluating dog medication or diet were generally low quality and inconclusive.
CONCLUSIONS
Multiple strategies including effective engagement with indigenous communities and organisations will be required to reduce dog-bites and other incidents involving dog aggression. This review provides some evidence that legislated dog control strategies reduce dog bite rates. Available evidence suggests greater restrictions should be made for all dogs, rather than based on breed alone. Due to a burden of child injury, protection of children should be a focus of legislation and further investigations. Prevention strategies in children require redirection away from a focus on child-directed education and future research should investigate the effectiveness of engineering barriers and reporting strategies.
Topics: Accidents; Aggression; Animals; Bites and Stings; Breeding; Dogs; Humans; Incidence
PubMed: 35393286
DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2021-044477 -
Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) Aug 2021Sodium azide is a highly toxic chemical. Its production has increased dramatically over the last 30 years due to its widespread use in vehicular airbags, and it is...
CONTEXT
Sodium azide is a highly toxic chemical. Its production has increased dramatically over the last 30 years due to its widespread use in vehicular airbags, and it is available for purchase online. Thus, accidental exposure to azide or use as a homicidal or suicidal agent could be on the rise, and secondary exposure to medical personnel can occur. No antidote exists for azide poisoning. We conducted a systematic review of azide poisoning to assess recent poisoning reports, exposure scenarios, clinical presentations, and treatment strategies.
METHODS
We searched both medical and newspaper databases to review the literature between 01/01/2000 and 12/31/2020, pairing the controlled vocabulary and keyword terms "sodium azide" or "hydrazoic acid" with terms relating to exposures and outcomes, such as "ingestion," "inhalation," "exposure," "poisoning," and "death." We included all peer-reviewed papers and news articles describing human azide poisoning cases from English and non-English publications that could be identified using English keywords. Data abstracted included the number, age, and gender of cases, mode of exposure, exposure setting, azide dose and route of exposure, symptoms, outcome, and treatment modalities.
RESULTS
We identified 663 peer-reviewed papers and 303 newspaper articles. After removing duplicated and non-qualifying sources, 54 publications were reviewed describing 156 cases, yielding an average of 7.8 reported azide poisoning cases per year. This rate is three times higher than in a previous review covering the period of 1927 to 1999. Poisoning occurred most commonly in laboratory workers, during secondary exposure of medical personnel, or from a ripped airbag. Hypotension occurred commonly, in some cases requiring vasopressors and one patient received an intra-aortic ballon pump. Gastric lavage and/or activated charcoal were used for oral azide ingestion, and sodium nitrite, sodium thiosulfate, and/or hydroxocobalamin were used in severely poisoned patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Recent increases in azide poisoning reports may stem from greater commercial use and availability. Treatment of systemic poisoning may require aggressive hemodynamic support due to profound hypotension. Based on mechanistic considerations, hydroxocobalamin is a rational choice for treating azide poisoning.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Antidotes; Female; Humans; Hypotension; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Poisoning; Sodium Azide; Sodium Nitrite; Suicide, Attempted; Thiosulfates
PubMed: 34128439
DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2021.1906888 -
TheScientificWorldJournal 2021Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Reporting of all medical errors is important to better understand the problem and to implement...
BACKGROUND
Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Reporting of all medical errors is important to better understand the problem and to implement solutions based on root causes. Underreporting of medical errors is a common and a challenging obstacle in the fight for patient safety. The goal of this study is to review common barriers to reporting medical errors.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed the literature by searching the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases for studies on barriers to reporting medical errors. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guideline was followed in selecting eligible studies.
RESULTS
Thirty studies were included in the final review, 8 of which were from the United States. The majority of the studies used self-administered questionnaires (75%) to collect data. Nurses were the most studied providers (87%), followed by physicians (27%). Fear of consequences is the most reported barrier (63%), followed by lack of feedback (27%) and work climate/culture (27%). Barriers to reporting were highly variable between different centers.
Topics: Medical Errors; Patient Safety; Risk Management; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States
PubMed: 34220366
DOI: 10.1155/2021/6494889 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health Jan 2021Cancer is the third cause of death following cardiovascular disease and accidents, in Iran. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the economic burden of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cancer is the third cause of death following cardiovascular disease and accidents, in Iran. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the economic burden of cancer studies in Iran.
METHODS
This systematic review examined the types of direct medical and non-medical costs and indirect costs in cancer patients and includes studies in English and Persian that were reviewed in Scopus, Web of science, SID, Iranmedex, Magiran and databases of Medline, etc., from 1995-2019.
RESULTS
Twenty-one articles were included. Most studies have examined the direct costs of all types of cancers. The articles reviewed different types of cancer, such as prostate cancer (n=2), colorectal cancer (n=2), breast cancer (n=4), gastric cancer (n=2), oral and pharyngeal cancer (n=1), lung cancer (n=3), and blood cancer (n=4). The great number of studies were related to the gastrointestinal, breast and blood cancers. The gastrointestinal (gastric and colorectal) and breast cancer had the major economic burden than others.
CONCLUSION
It is necessary that special attention to patients, supportive measures to reduce the share of costs, and more budget allocation for prevention, screening and early detection being at priorities in the health system planning.
PubMed: 34178762
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v50i1.5070 -
Journal of the International AIDS... Feb 2023Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is approved for paediatric use in fixed-dose combination tablets, but efficacy and safety data in children are limited. We conducted a... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is approved for paediatric use in fixed-dose combination tablets, but efficacy and safety data in children are limited. We conducted a systematic review on the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of TAF in infants, children and adolescents living with HIV.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, clinical trial registries, reference lists and relevant conferences to identify literature published January 2009-March 2021. We included clinical trials and observational studies assessing the efficacy/effectiveness or safety of TAF through ≥6 months of treatment in participants aged 0-19 years.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Overall 3626 abstracts and 371 full papers were screened. Four single-arm, innovator-funded trials (341 participants) and a pooled analysis of those trials were identified. All four trials included treatment-experienced and virally suppressed children or adolescents. One trial also included treatment-naïve adolescents with baseline viral load >1000 copies/ml. The risk of bias was rated as low in one study and unclear in the other three owing to missing data on study design (all conference presentations). At 48 weeks, 92% (46/50) of treatment-naïve participants were virally suppressed (one trial). Among treatment-experienced participants with viral load at 48 weeks, 214 of 224 participants were virally suppressed. Across the studies, one grade 3/4 adverse event was considered drug-related (intermediate uveitis). There were three discontinuations for adverse events (grade 2 anxiety and insomnia, grade 1 iridocyclitis [drug-related] and grade 1 pulmonary tuberculosis [unrelated to treatment]). One accidental death occurred across the four studies. In the pooled analysis of 223 participants, the median change in bone mineral density z-score (height- and age-adjusted) from baseline to 48 weeks was -0.12 (interquartile range [IQR] -0.46, 0.17) to 0.05 (IQR not reported) for spine, and -0.09 (IQR -0.33, 0.07) to 0.09 (IQR not reported) for total body less head. Weight-for-age z-scores increased by 0.25 from baseline to 48 weeks.
CONCLUSIONS
Four single-arm trials were identified in this systematic review, with initial evidence suggesting good viral suppression and no obvious safety concerns in children and adolescents on TAF-containing regimens over 24-48 weeks. However, further comparative and longer-term safety data are needed in children and adolescents, including on weight and metabolic changes.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Child; Adolescent; Tenofovir; HIV Infections; Anti-HIV Agents; HIV-1; Adenine; Emtricitabine
PubMed: 36823283
DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26037 -
Child Abuse & Neglect Dec 2022Research on child maltreatment and protection in the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council countries-Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Research on child maltreatment and protection in the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council countries-Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-is limited but growing, as is child protection as a sector.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to identify themes and gaps in existing research on child maltreatment and protection, identify opportunities for building capacity in research and practice.
PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING
N/A.
METHODS
We conducted a scoping review of empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English and Arabic and reported methods and findings according to the PRISMA-ScR reporting protocol. Articles were coded by country, topic of research, and type of abuse studied, if any.
RESULTS
Our database search returned 6109 articles and 160 articles were included in our review. Themes included (1) prevalence, incidence, and characteristics of maltreatment, (2) outcomes associated with maltreatment, (3) attitudes, awareness, and reporting, (4) accidental injury and death potentially associated with neglect, (5) policy and practice. Eighty-seven articles studied Saudi Arabia, while 28 studied the UAE, 21 Kuwait, 13 Qatar, 12 Oman, and 11 Bahrain. Physical abuse was studied in 77 articles, followed by sexual abuse in 54 articles and emotional abuse in 54.
CONCLUSION
Although the medical community produces an encouraging volume of child maltreatment research, gaps remain. Intervention research is lacking, and further inquiry into family dynamics, culture, and spirituality could inform the development of effective interventions. Cross-sectoral collaboration among education, social work, law enforcement, and healthcare is also needed to safeguard children's rights in the GCC.
Topics: Humans; Child; Arabs; Middle East; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; Child Abuse
PubMed: 36244212
DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105924 -
World Journal of Emergency Surgery :... May 2022Quadbikes or all-terrain vehicles are known for their propensity for crashes resulting in injury, disability, and death. The control of these needless losses resulting... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Quadbikes or all-terrain vehicles are known for their propensity for crashes resulting in injury, disability, and death. The control of these needless losses resulting from quadbike crashes has become an essential contributor to sustainable development goals. Understanding the risk factors for such injuries is essential for developing preventive policies and strategies. The aim of this review was to identify the risk factors associated with quadbike crashes at multiple levels through a systematic review of a wide range of study designs.
METHODS
The study incorporated a mixed-method systematic review approach and followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for reporting systematic reviews, including a peer reviewed protocol. This systematic review included observational studies investigating the risk factors associated with quadbike crashes, injuries, or deaths. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to October 2021. Studies were screened and extracted by three researchers. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Due to extensive heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not conducted. All the risk factors have been presented in a narrative synthesis for discussion following the guidelines for Synthesis without Meta-analysis (SWiM).
RESULTS
Thirty-nine studies combining an aggregate of 65,170 participants were included in this systematic review. The results indicate that modifiable risk factors, such as the increasing age of driving initiation, reducing substance use, and the use of organized riding parks, could reduce quadbike injuries. Riding practices such as avoiding passengers, avoiding nighttime riding, and using helmets could significantly reduce crashes and injuries among riders. Vehicle modifications such as increasing the wheelbase and limiting engine displacement could also help reduce crash incidence. Traditional interventional methods, such as legislation and training, had a weak influence on reducing quadbike injuries.
CONCLUSION
Multiple risk factors are associated with quadbike injuries, with most of them modifiable. Strengthening policies and awareness to minimize risk factors would help in reducing accidents associated with quadbikes. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020170245.
Topics: Accidents, Traffic; Head Protective Devices; Humans; Incidence; Off-Road Motor Vehicles; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35619139
DOI: 10.1186/s13017-022-00430-2